• Turkey Head / Spewhung (Marina lands): - while the marina operations agreement should be completed this term, I am keen to work with the new Council on plans for revitalizing the public and commercial areas of Turkey Head. There are significant financial challenges with the site and buildings, but separating the land lease from the water lot also allows the opportunity to build a thriving site that supports commercial vibrancy, food and beverage services, recreational use, community gathering, and more... plus the opportunity for cultural recognition, presence, and economic benefit for the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples. It is my hope that the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations can work together with Oak Bay Council to help define the goals for this project.

​

• Fire, Police, Public Works, Municipal Hall, and Library Buildings:  Oak Bay is still working on a plan for the medium-long long maintenance and replacement of our municipal facilities, and the first three are likely the most expensive projects expected in the next 25 years. These projects will be complex, especially as they must allow for continuous operations. I look forward to continuing work with staff on developing options and approving a plan that is operationally and financially feasible.

​

• Infrastructure.. and more Infrastructure: Pipes, sidewalks, and roads are still the largest commitment for the District and can't be delayed or defunded. The infrastructure replacement plan, front-loaded to prevent imminent failures, is key to service continuity, safety, and financial management; work continues on improving predictions as condition information improves. Importantly, we have already seen benefits such as reduced spending on emergency repairs, successful application to federal grants, and better borrowing options.

​

• OCP Updates: Three projects are critical this term, following on the OCP work completed last year. The Village Planning Project: will help ensure vibrant, viable commercial centers for decades to come, help guide development, and preserve and shape the unique feel of our commercial areas and neighbourhoods. Infill Housing (4-Plex) Revision: work is still needed to address what is and is not working for infill housing options, particularly mid-block. Beach Drive Special Study Area: this stretch of Beach Drive has had several speculative development proposals mooted with the community (although no applications have yet come to Council). Flagged for further work in the OCP, we owe it to the community to determine the nature of development appropriate for those lands.

​

• Oak Bay Lodge: As Chair of the Capital Regional Hospital District Board, I have been working with the Province, Island Health, the Seniors' Advocate, multiple non-profit entities, and others to find a solution that will provide a Campus of Care much needed for the region's seniors - as well as the potential to help address the shortage of doctors in the area. I look forward to continuing this advocacy and convening work at the CRD/CRHD.

 

Finally, I am excited to work with our staff. I have enjoyed being a part of and contributing to a corporate culture that enables innovation and success and that focuses on serving the residents of Oak Bay. This is an ongoing process that needs Council and staff to be aligned in goals and values, but we are building on a strong corporate culture. Council has already taken great strides to delegate operational issues and decisions to staff, something that has already helped streamline processes and speed service response time. I believe staff initiatives should be supported and successes should be celebrated.